Malaika turns TV producer

After co-producing the year’s biggest hit, Dabangg, Malaika Arora Khan plans to kick off the TV show division of the production company she co-owns with actor-husband Arbaaz Khan.

“It’s a recent development,” she says “One evening, while Arbaaz and I were chatting, I came up with the idea of getting into TV. It happened just like that, without any thought or preparation. And to my surprised delight, he applauded, eyes shining, and asked me to start on the ground work, as soon as possible. It made sense because this way, the company will not be without work till the next movie rolls.”

Malaika, currently India’s No 1 item girl after the chart-topping ‘Munni badnaam hui…’, has already received a truckload of ideas. "I’m interested in a cookery and a travel show, with a couple of other lifestyle shows thrown in. I’d like to include one on modelling, because I walked into Bollywood from the ramp. Besides, fashion is really big," she asserts.

Has she approached channels with plans and got the green light from any? “Not yet,” Malaika admits. “I’ve just been getting ideas in the form of concept notes. Once we’ve shortlisted the concepts, we’ll develop them into a show format, then approach a channel for approval and get rolling. It’s a long drawn procedure but hopefully, by next year, our first TV production should be on air.”

What’s Arbaaz’s reaction to the instant development? “He has confidence in me,” she beams. “I’ve had a long association with TV shows and he trusts my judgement.” The actor will be seen dancing to ‘Munni badnaam hui…’ for a special Diwali package on Star Plus.